The staggering number of single-use coffee cups that are going into the landfill every year has prompted the development of the 'Future Smart' paper cup by packaging manufacturer Huhtamaki.
Purported to be the first 100% renewable cup for takeaway beverages, the 'Future Smart' cup can be used with hot or cold beverages as well as ice cream and even food. The cup is created using plant-based materials that are certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The paper cup utilized a newly developed polyethylene that's plant-based in order to prevent liquids from permeating the cup too quickly.
The 'Future Smart' cup is described by the brand's Vice President of Innovation, Richard Skidmore: "Huhtamaki’s Future Smart paper cup solution is a giant leap forward in substituting fossil oil-based plastics in packaging with a fully renewable and economical next-generation, plant-based material."
Plant-Based Coffee Cups
The 'Future Smart' Paper Cup from Huhtamaki is Full Renewable
Trend Themes
1. Single-use Packaging - The development of renewable and plant-based materials for coffee cups highlights the trend toward reducing single-use packaging waste.
2. Sustainable Materials - The use of plant-based materials in coffee cup production reflects the growing trend of utilizing sustainable and renewable resources in manufacturing.
3. Circular Economy - The 'Future Smart' cup's closed-loop system, where materials are sourced from renewable forests and can be recycled, aligns with the trend towards building a circular economy in the packaging industry.
Industry Implications
1. Food Service - The food service industry can benefit from adopting renewable and plant-based packaging solutions, aligning with consumer demand for more sustainable alternatives.
2. Packaging Manufacturing - The use of plant-based, renewable materials in coffee cup production presents disruptive innovation opportunities for packaging manufacturers to develop eco-friendly solutions and meet changing consumer preferences.
3. Sustainable Product Development - The development and implementation of renewable and sustainable materials in coffee cup production can create opportunities for companies specializing in sustainable product development and innovation.